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Day 3 of the Detroit Auto Show was a lot less hectic than day 1 and day 2, with just a few cars hitting the stand for the first time. GM unveiled the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, while Dodge brought out the 2008 Avenger, Magnum and Viper.

It’s a new day for Chevy‘s quotidian midsize, which goes to the longer, 112.3-inch Epsilon wheelbase of the current Maxx. Meanwhile, the Maxx is discontinued; the 2008 Malibu will be four-door only. Engine choices will be an Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 and, later, an Ecotec/electric hybrid. Chevy plans no SS version, as that name will hereafter be added to serious performance cars only.

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The new Malibu interior features a handsome two-tone dash in six available color combinations and optional two-tone leather seats. With its handsome, Audiesque design and good engine choices, it’s the next big thing in midsize cars.

The production version of the 2008 Dodge Avenger shares a platform with its Chrysler Sebring sibling, but comes with a sport-tuned suspension and performance steering to better align it with Dodge’s more aggressive, sporty rep. Avenger is also Dodge’s first mid-size car to offer all-wheel-drive capability. Three engines will be available for the vehicle: the new standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a flex-fuel 2.7-liter V-6 engine and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick. Avenger pricing starts at $18,895 (including a $675 destination charge) and deliveries are expected shortly.

The basis of the 2008 Dodge Viper (the 2006 model gets an extended run, and there is no 2007) is a powerplant that, short of its layout and basic architecture, is all new. There were numerous reasons for this substantial overhaul. The first was to improve emissions compliance. Another was to quell the engine’s rough-and-tumble nature at idle. The team wanted to clean up the engine-bay packaging. And, of course, add more power and torque. It’s still an OHV aluminum V-10-now at 8.4 liters by virtue of a 1mm bore increase-yet no area of the engine’s makeup or ancillary systems has gone untouched. The Dodge’s pony gain is a 90-for an even 600-subject to final SAE certification. SRT focused most of its effort and product-development dollars into stuff that’ll make the Viper go faster and run better. But a few pennies were spent on things you can see. The biggest visual clue to the evil that lies beneath is a new louvered hood that looks aggressive and increases engine-bay airflow.

2008 Dodge Magnum SRT

The scoop on the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is the functional hood scoop, which serves notice for those who didn’t already know that this is one mean wagon. In addition, there’s a new grille, headlamps and front fascia design and it rides on 20-inch aluminum, SRT-designed wheels. Under the scoop lurks the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, delivering 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft of torque, with Dodge claiming 0-60 times in the low five second range. Interior enhancements for 2008 include agate-color accent stitching, carbon-fiber leather-trim door handles and LED lighting touches.